QuestionI'm 35, am expecting my first child and the first day of my last period was May 7th. I am concerned, as I just read, that eating swordfish during pregnancy can seriously harm the foetus. I do not normally eat fish but, for a special occasion 2 days ago, I was given a fish platter in which I ate some tuna and swordfish. Plus, my friend bought me a white fish (but she didn't know what it was as we live in Germany and she didn't know the translation for it) a few days before that. I know I can't do anything now, but is it a serious concern if it was just this one incident?
My other concern is getting enough calcium. I am allergic to milk products. I drink natural mineral water with a high calcium content, but it it missing other important vitamins normally found in milk? I ,also, don't drink much soja milk as I read that it may have harmful effects as well.
Any advice you could give me on these matters would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for your time!
AnswerOne or two meals of swordfish or domestic tuna will not cause any problems during the pregnancy. The following fish contain high amounts of mercury and should be avided during pregnancy: albacore tuna, shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish. Fish that have low levels of mercury and can be eaten during pregnancy are: shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. If y8u eat too much fish containing methylmercury, there can be an effect on the baby's developing nervous system. The risks depend on the amount of fish eaten and the amount of mercury in the fish. Cerainly, if you can avoid the "high mercury contianing" fish it may be safer. However, I do not believe that you caused any damage with the amount you had recently. Don't worry.
